If you’re looking for a fun, crunchy alternative to all those holiday cookies, then you’ll love this Christmas puppy chow! This no bake treat mixes Chex cereal with chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and all sorts of fun mix ins for a festive, sweet snack!
What is Christmas Puppy Chow?
Christmas puppy chow, also known as Christmas Muddy Buddies or Reindeer Food, is a festive twist on the classic snack made from Chex cereal.
The traditional version consists of Chex cereal coated in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, then tossed in powdered sugar.
For this holiday version, I simply add festive additional ingredients like red and green sprinkles, chocolate dipped pretzels, crushed peppermint candy, or holiday-themed M&Ms!
This treat is popular for Christmas as it is easy to make, loved by kids and adults, requires no baking, and can be customized with different flavors of cereal, chocolate, and mix ins!
It’s one of my favorites to make for the holidays, since it’s perfect for parties, gift bags, or just a seasonal snack.
Katie’s tip
I also have a perfect version for spooky season, so if you’re ready for some monster munch, try out my Halloween Puppy Chow!
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Christmas Puppy Chow Ingredients
- 8 cups (12 ounce box) Chex cereal (I use peanut butter flavor)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 Tbsp (half stick) salted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups holiday mix ins (pretzels, M&Ms, sprinkles, etc)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use any flavor of Chex you like – chocolate and vanilla are my other go-to options, but cinnamon can add a fun twist, and plain works just fine too!
- Any mix ins you like are fine! Try mini peanut butter cups, PB chips or Reese’s pieces, pretzels, other small red and green candies, non pareils, sprinkles, candy cane pieces, or anything similar
How to Make Christmas Puppy Chow
- Add your Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl
- In a microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter
- Cook on high for 30 seconds in the microwave, then stir, and cook in additional 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth, then stir in the vanilla
- Add the peanut butter chocolate mixture to the Chex cereal, and stir until the cereal is well coated
- Fill a large Ziploc bag (or similar) with the powdered sugar, then add the chocolate coated Chex into the sugar. Seal the bag and shake until the cereal is thoroughly coated and white (or “snowy”) in appearance. If you have a smaller bag, work in batches if needed
- Spread the finished cereal out on a sheet pan lined in wax paper (or similar) and allow it to set for about an hour (or 30 minutes in the fridge)
- Add your mix-ins as desired, and enjoy!
What to Serve With Christmas Puppy Chow?
When serving Christmas Muddy Buddies, you can create a festive spread by pairing it with other great holiday snacks and treats. Here are some of my favorite options!
Hot Chocolate
The rich, creamy flavors of hot chocolate pair well with the sweet, crunchy texture of Christmas puppy chow. Top the hot cocoa with whipped cream and sprinkle some of the puppy chow mix on top for extra holiday flair!
Need a recipe? Check out my Grinch Hot Chocolate for the perfect festive option!
Christmas Cookies
Holiday-themed cookies like sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or peppermint cookies go well with puppy chow. They add a variety of flavors and textures to your dessert table!
Try my Air Fryer Gingerbread or Air Fryer Sugar Cookies for some classic choices with no oven needed!
Pretzel Sticks
Salty snacks like pretzel sticks or pretzel rods balance the sweetness of reindeer chow. The combination of sweet and salty is always a crowd pleaser.
For an extra-festive option, try my Pretzel Snowflakes!
Mixed Nuts
Roasted or spiced nuts, such as cinnamon almonds or honey-roasted peanuts, complement the flavors of the puppy chow and add a crunchy texture.
My Honey Roasted Pecans in the Air Fryer is a great recipe to make your own!
Fruit Platter
Fresh fruit like strawberries, apple slices, and grapes provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the puppy chow. Dried cranberries or apricots can also be added for a festive touch!
Holiday Popcorn
Mix up a batch of holiday popcorn (like caramel or white chocolate drizzle popcorn) to serve alongside the reindeer chow for an extra sweet and crunchy pairing!
Recipe FAQs
Why Is It Called Puppy Chow?
The snack gets its name because it resembles dry dog food, although it’s a sweet treat meant for people.
This festive holiday version of the sweet snack is sometimes also called reindeer chow for a seasonal twist, or simply called Christmas Muddy Buddies!
Can You Make Reindeer Chow Without Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can make a nut-free version of Christmas puppy chow by substituting peanut butter with alternatives like sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or cookie butter.
This makes it a great option for those with nut allergies!
How Long Does Christmas Puppy Chow Stay Fresh?
Christmas puppy chow can stay fresh for up to 1 week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze it to maintain its crunch. In fact, many prefer to enjoy it cold!
What Are Some Popular Mix-Ins For Christmas Puppy Chow?
Popular mix-ins include holiday-themed M&Ms, pretzel pieces, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermint candies.
These additions can enhance the flavor and texture of the snack.
Can You Make Reindeer Chow In Advance?
Yes, Christmas reindeer puppy chow is an excellent make ahead treat.
It can be prepared a few days before your holiday gathering and stored in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Is Puppy Chow Gluten Free?
Christmas puppy chow can be made gluten free by using certified gluten free Chex cereal (which is rice-based) and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten free as well.
Double check the labels on any additional mix-ins or chocolate used! In particular skip adding pretzels, or make sure to get a specifically gluten free alternative.
Can Kids Help Make Christmas Puppy Chow?
Yes, this recipe is kid-friendly and easy for little helpers to get involved!
Kids can help shake the bag of cereal and powdered sugar or add the festive toppings.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Muddy Buddies
- If you have a kitchen helper, have them hold the zippered bag open for you to dump the Chex in to make the sugar coating step easier! If not, use a measuring cup or similar to make transfer easier for one person
- You can also use a large Tupperware, or even a pot with a lid for the shaking step if that makes it easier to manage!
Storage Tips
- Reindeer chow can be stored in an airtight container or zippered bag at room temperature for up to one week (keep out of direct heat and sunlight so the chocolate doesn’t melt)
- For longer term storage, you can also place puppy chow in the refrigerator or the freezer. In fact, I prefer to eat it cold, so experiment and find your perfect temperature!
- Grinch Oreo Balls
Final Thoughts
This Christmas puppy chow is such a fun, sweet, and crunchy treat that’s perfect for the holidays! It’s simple to make (even the little ones can help), but both kids and adults will enjoy eating it.
With sweet chocolate peanut butter flavor and your favorite sweet and salty Christmas-themed mix ins, these Muddy Buddies look great on the cookie table, snack table, dessert table, and more!
I love to make reindeer chow for holiday parties, or for giving as gifts. It’s so easily customizable, budget friendly, fast to prepare, and well-loved you really can’t go wrong!
Easy Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon)
- Baking sheet (or similar)
- Ziploc bag (or similar)
Ingredients
- 8 cups peanut butter Chex cereal, or you favorite flavor (12 ounce box)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 Tbsp salted butter (half stick)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups holiday mix-ins (such as M&Ms, holiday pretzels, sprinkles, etc)
Instructions
- Add your Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl8 cups peanut butter Chex cereal, or you favorite flavor
- In a microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, 4 Tbsp salted butter (half stick)
- Cook on high for 30 seconds in the microwave, then stir, and cook in additional 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth, then stir in the vanilla1 tsp vanilla extract
- Add the peanut butter chocolate mixture to the Chex cereal, and stir until the cereal is well coated
- Fill a large Ziploc bag (or similar) with the powdered sugar, then add the chocolate coated Chex into the sugar. Seal the bag and shake until the cereal is thoroughly coated and white (or “snowy”) in appearance. If you have a smaller bag, work in batches if needed2 cups powdered sugar
- Spread the finished cereal out on a sheet pan lined in wax paper (or similar) and allow it to set for about an hour (or 30 minutes in the fridge)
- Add your mix-ins as desired, and enjoy!2 cups holiday mix-ins
Notes
- You can use any flavor of Chex you like – chocolate and vanilla are my other go-to options, but cinnamon can add a fun twist, and plain works just fine too!
- Any mix ins you like are fine! Try mini peanut butter cups, PB chips or Reese’s pieces, pretzels, other small red and green candies, non pareils, sprinkles, candy cane pieces, or anything similar
- If you have a kitchen helper, have them hold the zippered bag open for you to dump the Chex in to make the sugar coating step easier! If not, use a measuring cup or similar to make transfer easier for one person
- You can also use a large Tupperware, or even a pot with a lid for the shaking step if that makes it easier to manage!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings and mix ins added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
